VintageLOTUSbicycles.com
Odyssey 18- Speed
The 18-speed Odyssey is geared to take you and your luggage
wherever your heart would lead you. . . . No nonsense here."
~~ Catalog Quote ~~
"The ODYSSEY represents the top of the line in Gran Touring."
~~ 1987 Sales Literature ~~
wherever your heart would lead you. . . . No nonsense here."
~~ Catalog Quote ~~
"The ODYSSEY represents the top of the line in Gran Touring."
~~ 1987 Sales Literature ~~
The Odyssey . . . what a fitting name for a touring bicycle! However, the first-generation 1980-82 Odyssey did not particularly stand out as a touring ride. One had to look close to see the triple-ring Sugino crank and a wheelbase that measured one-half inch longer than the other Lotus sport models, and a full inch more than the Lotus racing bikes, Competition, Supreme and Super Pro.
In 1980 and 1981, if you wanted a Lotus with clincher rims, the Odyssey was the top-of-the-line model. The Competition, Supreme and Super Pro all came equipped with sew-up tires on tubular rims for racing. If you didn't care for the 18-speeds the Odyssey offered, the Lotus Legend would have logically been your next bike of choice.
We consider the first-generation Lotus Odyssey a sport/light touring bicycle because it rides on narrow 700 x 25c rims and it was not designed with the hard-core loaded touring features found on the second and third-generation Odysseys. Features like cantilever brakes, racks with brazed on mounts, 40-spoke heavy-duty 27 x 11/4 rear wheels, and multiple sets of bottle bosses. If you wanted a sport bike to enjoy around town but was till capable of carrying gear for a weekend picnic, light camping trip, or if you live in an area with a lot of hills, the first-generation Odyssey was/is the perfect choice for it's high-quality components, stable ride, and extended range gearing.
First and second-generation Odysseys share frame styling details and evolution with the Lotus Legend, like the full-wrap seat stay caps, full sloping fork crown, chromed stay ends and fork tips. The Odyssey was not Lotus' only touring ride, they also offered in some model years, the more affordable Lotus Eclair.
Early 1980 model Odysseys can usually be identified by their use of a head tube decal rather than a riveted Lotus badge. The seat tube band decals were easily damaged and are often missing on many of the early model Lotus bikes. Some early Lotus models do not have rear spoke protectors. 1980 Odyssey models do not have brazed on water bottle bosses.We believe the Ivory Odyssey shown here is an early model. Note the plain seat tube, missing spoke protector, decal on the head tube, and lack of bottle bosses, all typical signs of an early 1980 model Odyssey.
Later first-generation Odyssey models, circa 1981, can be spotted by improved Mylar-type double seat tube decals, brazed on bottle bosses, rear spoke protectors, and riveted metal head tube badges. The Odyssey and the Grand Prix were the only early Lotus bicycles to use a metal spoke guard, all of the other Lotus non-racing bicycles used a clear Shimano plastic protector. Since the Odyssey and Grand Prix used Suntour drive components, they utilized the metal Suntour guard.
The 1981 Odyssey shown below in Pearl Orange has correct improvements for that year; bottle bosses, Mylar-type seat tube decals, riveted head tube badge, and the metal Suntour spoke guard.
The 1981 Odyssey shown below in Pearl Orange has correct improvements for that year; bottle bosses, Mylar-type seat tube decals, riveted head tube badge, and the metal Suntour spoke guard.
By 1983 Lotus stepped up to the plate and totally re-designed their touring bicycles, elevating the Odyssey to it's rightful place at the top of their all-out gran touring models. Lotus now produced one of the finest off-the-shelf touring bikes available, even to this day.
The second-generation Lotus Odyssey saw a switch from the excellent Tange Champion tubing to the legendary Italian Columbus tubing for it's frame and fork. The Odyssey frame now came with a full compliment of brazed on fittings including rear seat stay braze ons and double eyelets for touring racks and fenders and enough brazed on fittings for two water bottles.
The 1983 Odyssey came fully equipped for loaded touring and included alloy front and rear racks, an OGK bottle cage, LOTUS water bottle, a Primus pump, Dia-Compe cantilever brakes and 40-spoke rear/36 spoke front wheels laced to heavy duty sealed bearing Suntour hubs.
The double seat tube decals found on the first-generation models were replaced with vertical LOTUS lettering in an outline font, matching the new style lettering on the down tube. 1983 Odyssey models continue to use a script font for the model name on the top tube and a riveted head tube badge.
The 1983 Odyssey was available in 3 colors, Pearl Orange, Violet Blue, and Gunmetal Grey.
The photo below shows an as-found completely original 1983 Odyssey in Pearl Orange. Note the traditional style front rack used on the 1983 models, 1984 would add fork blade braze ons for mounting a low rider rack. The 1983 Odyssey was proudly labeled on the seat tube Hand Brazed by Tsunoda Japan. Note how the rear rack is not horizontal, yet does not look damaged. We suspect it was made this way to provide additional heel clearance for when panniers are mounted.
While the second-generation 1984 Odyssey is equipped very similar to the 1983 model there are minor differences in the construction details and the frame is no longer labeled as a Tsunoda product. We suspect the frame was now made by a different company, possibly Maruishi. We are currently researching this information.
1984 Odyssey models saw the addition of engraved LOTUS seat stay caps and a Lotus flower engraved fork crown. 1984 models have bosses brazed onto the fork blades for mounting low rider racks, as shown in the photo on the right.
The Odyssey decal on the top tube is now in an outline block letter font and the head tube has a black and gold lotus flower decal.
For some reason it appears that Lotus did not use a 40-spoke rear wheel on the 1984 Odyssey, but it would return on the later models. This information is obtained from multiple observed examples.
The low-mileage Burgundy Odyssey pictured below was a new color for 1984. Gunmetal Grey was also available. Note the low rider front racks installed, these are original equipment and were made by Nagaoka.
By 1986 the third-generation Odyssey saw another major re-design and frame tubing change, this time to Tange Double Butted Infinity. Frame additions included a pump peg on the head tube and fully painted stays with a contrasting head tube.
The LOTUS decal on the down tube is now the stylized version with the lotus flower as the U of the LOTUS font. The Odyssey decal is now on the rear of the top tube, 1987 models have an additional Touring Series decal on the front and the shifter cables routed under the bottom bracket. Colors for the 1987 Odyssey were White and Gunmetal Grey.
The photo below is a scan from the 1986 Lotus Catalog. The 1986 Odyssey was available in White and Navy and came fully equipped as shown. The 40-Spoke rear wheel returned, according to the catalog specifications.
| 1980-82 Lotus Odyssey |
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| Frame Details | 1980 - Suntour forged dropouts w/ micro adjusters, top tube cable guides, bottom bracket cable guides, down tube shift lever support bracket, full wrap seat stays at seat lug, 1/2 chrome seat and chain stays. 1981 - Add brazed on bottle bosses and riveted head badge. |
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| Frame Tubing | 50-56 cm: Tange Champion #1 DB Cro-Mo 58-63 cm: Tange Champion #2 DB Cro-Mo |
Headset | Shimano 600EX alloy |
| Fork | Tange Champion, Cinelli-Type Full-Sloping Forged Crown, 1/2 Chrome blades | Handlebar | SR Road Champion alloy |
| Colors | Ivory, Silver, Pearl Orange | Stem | SR Royal alloy |
| Frame Sizes | 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm | Brakes | Shimano 600EX Arabesque |
| Crank | Sugino Mighty Tour Triple 36-45-52 w/ Chain Guard | Seatpost | SR CT-P3 Custom alloy |
| Pedals | KKT Pro Ace, KKT Clips and Straps | Saddle | Kashimax Super-Pro, black |
| Shift Levers | Suntour Cyclone | Rims | Ukai 700 x 25c alloy |
| Front Derailleur | Suntour Cyclone Wide | Hubs | Sunshine Pro Am |
| Rear Derailleur | Suntour Cyclone GT | Spokes | |
| Freewheel | Suntour Ultra 6-Speed 14-32 | Tires | IRC Roadlite 700 x 25c, Presta |
| Chain | Shimano Uniglide Gold/Black or Suntour Ultra Gold/Black |
Weight | 23.5 lbs. |
| Notes | 1980 (or "early") Models have been noted to have fragile water-slide seat tube decals. 1981 (or "later") Models have been noted to have more durable Mylar-type seat tube decals. |
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| 1983-84 Lotus Odyssey |
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| Frame Details | Fork and stays reinforced, top tube cable guides, bottom bracket cable guides, four brazed on bottle bosses, full-wrap seat stays at seat lug, cantilever brake bosses, dual carrier eyelets on dropouts, down tube shifter bosses, 1/2 chrome chain stays and seat stays, 1/2 chrome fork blades, chain peg hanger, rear rack mount tabs. 1983 only: reinforced seat stay bridge 1984 only: fork bosses for low rider racks, engraved fork crown and seat stay caps, recessed seat lug bolt |
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| Frame Tubing | Columbus Double Butted Cro-Mo, SL on 50-58 cm SP on 60-64 cm |
Headset | Shimano 600 EX alloy |
| Fork | Columbus Tubing, Semi-Sloping Crown w/ cut-outs 1/2 Chrome Blades, Reinforced 1984: Lotus flower engraved crown |
Handlebar | 1983: SR Road Champion (wreath logo) 1984: SR World Champion (eagle logo) |
| Colors | 1983: Violet Blue, Pearl Orange, Gunmetal Grey 1984: Burgundy, Gunmetal Grey |
Stem | SR Royal alloy |
| Frame Sizes | 50-64 cm | Brakes | Dia Compe Cantilever 1984: add cable adjusters at levers |
| Crank | Sugino AT Aero Mighty Tour Triple 30-45-50 Sealed Bottom Bracket |
Seatpost | SR Laprade CT-P5 |
| Pedals | KKT Pro Vic II w/ Clips and Straps | Saddle | 1983: Kashimax Super-Pro 1984: Lotus branded Kashimax Anatomic |
| Shift Levers | Suntour Cyclone II Braze-on | Rims | 1983: Ukai 27 x 1 1/4 alloy 40 Spoke Rear 1984: Araya 27 x 1 1/4 alloy 36 Spoke Rear |
| Front Derailleur | 1983: Suntour Cyclone II 1984: Suntour Mountech |
Hubs | Suntour Sealed Bearing QR Front and Rear |
| Rear Derailleur | Suntour Cyclone II | Spokes | Stainless |
| Freewheel | 1983: Suntour Ultra-6 gold 1984: Suntour Ultra-6 silver |
Tires | 1983: IRC Super HP 27 x 1 1/8 1984: unknown |
| Chain | 1983: Suntour Ultra-6 gold 1984: Suntour Ultra-6 silver |
Weight | 23.5 lbs. |
| Notes | Included 2 alloy carriers, Primus pump, Lotus water bottle and alloy cage. |
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| 1986 Lotus Odyssey Gran Touring Series |
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| Frame Details | Bottle mounts on seat and down tube, bosses on fork for low mounted front rack, brazed on fittings for shifters, rear rack, chain peg hanger, pump peg on head tube, brake cable guides and cantilever brakes. | ||
| Frame Tubing | Tange Infinity Double Butted Chrome Moly | Headset | |
| Fork | Tange Chrome Moly, w/ Forged Drop Outs | Handlebar | SR CTD alloy |
| Colors | White or Navy | Stem | SR alloy |
| Frame Sizes | 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm | Brakes | Shimano AT-50 Cantilever |
| Crank | Shimano Biopace 28-38-48 | Seatpost | SR Micro Adjust CRE-100 alloy |
| Pedals | SR SP-153 w/ Clips and straps | Saddle | Vetta Anatomic |
| Shift Levers | Shimano 422 Light Action | Rims | Araya 16-A 27" x 1 1/4" Alloy, 36 Front 40 rear Spokes |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Z204 | Hubs | Suzue Sealed System Small Flange QR alloy |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano L525 Light Action | Spokes | 14 Guage Stainless |
| Freewheel | Shimano 6 Cogs, 14-32 Silver | Tires | IRC 27" x 1 1/4" skin |
| Chain | Shimano Uniglide Silver/Black | Weight | 25.5 lbs. |
| Notes | Accessories: LOTUS water bottle and alloy cage, alloy rear and low mount racks, Primus pump. | ||
| 1987 Lotus Odyssey Gran Touring Series |
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| Frame Details | Pump peg on the head tube, chain peg hanger, cable guides under bottom bracket, bottle mounts on seat and down tube, top tube cable guides, studs on fork for low mounted front rack, brazed on fittings for shifters, rear rack, and cantilever brakes. | ||
| Frame Tubing | Tange Infinity Double Butted Chrome Moly | Headset | Tange Sealed MA-60 |
| Fork | Tange Chrome Moly, w/ Forged Drop Outs | Handlebar | LOTUS Engraved Kusuki alloy |
| Colors | White or Gunmetal Gray | Stem | Kusuki S-Win alloy |
| Frame Sizes | 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm | Brakes | Dia Compe Cantilever #983 Levers Dia Compe Aero AC250G Black for White Frame and White for Gray Frame |
| Crank | Shimano Biopace B-124 30-44-50 | Seatpost | Sugino KC-230 w/ Scale |
| Pedals | MKS AR-2 w/ MKS Clips and LOTUS straps | Saddle | Vetta Maxi Anatomic Leather |
| Shift Levers | Suntour Alpha 5000 Accu-shift | Rims | Araya 16-A 27" x 1 1/4" alloy, 36 Front 40 rear Spokes |
| Front Derailleur | Suntour Alpha 5000GX | Hubs | Suzue Small Flange QR alloy sealed |
| Rear Derailleur | Suntour Alpha 5000GX Accu-shift | Spokes | 14 Guage Stainless |
| Freewheel | Suntour PT-6000 6 Cogs, 14-32 silver | Tires | IRC Touring Kevlar 27" x 1 1/4" Skin |
| Chain | DID Silver/Black | Weight | 25 lbs. for 54 cm |
| Notes | Accessories: LOTUS water bottle and alloy cage, alloy rear and low mount racks. | ||
